BBC Review

In Countryman, Skitz has delivered a consolidation of talent and attitudes of a musical movement that has been both struggling and hugely underrated for too long. This is a collaborative effort with Skitz at the helm of a crew of 25 MCs and DJs including Reprazent front man MC Dynamite and Rodney P.

Phi Life Cypher's rapid fire delivery on "Cordless Mics at 20 Paces" and Roots Manuva's smooth execution on "Where My Mind Is At" make this record perhaps the best illustration of the state of home grown hip-hop today. The distinctive female leads from Wildflower, Tempa and Estelle on "Domestic Science" are refreshing and set the tone for a record that is devoid of the machismo and posturing that so often accompanies US hip hop. Through this project, Skitz has successfully managed to reflect a culture and upbringing that is entirely UK. Like the man says, "The revelation will not be civilised. It will be unruly, grimy, low down and raw". Indeed.

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